General Duties and Power

General Duties and Power. The duties of the State Veterans Affairs Board shall be to: A. Assist former and present members of the Armed Forces of the United State, and their dependents, in securing any benefits or privileges under any federal or state law or regulation to which they are entitled B. Advise the Governor and Legislature on Veterans affairs C. Fully cooperate with all congressionally chartered veterans organizations within the state, including servicing the power of attorney of the congressionally chartered veterans organizations upon the request of the organizations to the State Veterans Affairs Board in the prosecution of all claims on behalf of veterans. D. Inspect, approve and supervise school, institutions and establishments for war orphan and veteran training as the “State Approving Agency” for the State of Mississippi and to enter into contract with the Department of Veterans Affairs for salary and travel reimbursement for personnel employed for this purpose E. Operate and manage all state veterans nursing homes to provide domiciliary care and other related services for eligible veterans in the most cost efficient manner. F. Adopt policies and prescribe rules and regulations for the proper administration of it general duties and powers G. Appointments as local representatives of the State Veterans Affairs Board may be revoked at any time by the State Veterans Affairs Board. At no time and under no circumstance will members of the Board, while representing the Board, engage in controversial matters or promotional activities of any veterans organization or other similar organization. It is desired that members of the Board will take interest in veterans affairs, keep in touch with veterans, and impart information to them. H. Cooperate with all agencies and organizations in providing assistance to servicemen and women, veterans and/or their dependents, widows and orphans. Particular attention will be given to cooperation with County Veteran Service Officers and Service Officers of the various veterans organizations in the prosecution of claims and the handling of problems relating to or contingent on service with the armed forces. I. Preference will not be shown to individuals, counties, or organizations. The service will be given courteously and on an equal basis. However, emergency or distress cases shall take priority. No services will be undertaken or any privilege extended any are, county, or organization which cannot be provided for all. No special records will be maintained and no special information will be compiled for one that is not available for all as taken from the available records of the Board. J. The Board shall provide training and certification of County Veteran Service Officers. In addition, County Service Officers undergoing initial certification will be required to receive one (1) day of training at the Board’s Claims Office with the Claims Office providing two (2) days (different sessions) of training.